Meet the team
From zines to pre-press: meet Daniel, our 60th hire
In July, Daniel Jefferies joined our artwork team as a pre-press apprentice. He is also our 60th hire. Three months in, here's his story.
The story
From photography to print
Daniel graduated from Leeds Arts University in 2025 with a degree in Photography. During his studies he fell in love with print, making zines and photography publications as part of his course. He also worked in a specialist photography bookshop, surrounded by magazines and artists' monographs.
After graduating, he worked in hospitality and took on freelance design jobs where he could, making event posters and small publications. He applied for pre-press and press roles around Leeds, but kept hitting the same wall. "I'd been searching and applying for pre-press and press jobs within Leeds but lacked the knowledge to get a foot in the door," he says.
So he went looking for an apprenticeship instead. Through the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) programme, he's now getting the hands-on experience he was missing while completing his training alongside it.
"He has fit straight in. He's picked up the basics really quickly and has made suggestions to improve the team's output that we've already implemented."
Alex Gale, Senior Designer
Learning from someone who did it the same way
Daniel's manager is Alex Gale, our Senior Designer. Alex got into the industry the same way, getting a foot in the door and working his way up.
"As someone who got a foot into the industry and worked my way up, I feel it is important to give someone who wants to put in the work an opportunity to do so," Alex says. "There aren't a lot of industries that you can find work in without the relevant qualifications these days, so to me the value of apprenticeships is underrated, and good working people might slip through the cracks."
What stood out at interview wasn't a portfolio. It was that Daniel had tried to improve processes in his previous job, purely because he cared about the business he worked for.
What pre-press actually involves
Pre-press is the work that happens before anything gets printed or stitched. Daniel is learning to set up artwork for multiple print processes, proof products for customers, and support the sales team with lookbooks and marketing material.
He's also spent time around the building, sublimating mugs and preparing stickers and badges. Seeing the finished product matters in this job. As Alex puts it, "We set up artwork for processes that we don't see firsthand. Having exposure to those printing processes, understanding them, and seeing the end result is key."
The bigger picture
"Print has a fantastic story to tell, but we also have a responsibility to make sure there is a future chapter."
Matt Child, BPIF
Matt Child from the BPIF sees apprenticeships as a way of making sure decades of print knowledge doesn't walk out the door when experienced people retire.
"Apprenticeships are not simply about recruiting young people," he says. "They are about building the future workforce, developing talent from within and creating a sustainable skills pipeline for print businesses."
His advice to other print companies is simple: see training as an investment, not a cost. "If you don't develop your own people, you are increasingly going to find yourself competing with other businesses for the same limited pool of skilled employees."
Q&A
Three months in: Daniel in his own words
What got you interested in print?
Throughout my degree I became increasingly interested in physical media and creating photography zines and publications. I worked for a period of time in a specialist photography bookstore and was constantly surrounded by the possibilities of print within magazines and artists' monographs. I didn't necessarily want a career as a photographer, more something adjacent to it.
Why an apprenticeship?
I could see the value in it. I knew it would explain the specific knowledge I was interested in, whilst also giving me the opportunity to work within a company I would love to work for, without that initial pressure to be perfect.
What were your first impressions of Involution?
I was genuinely so curious and excited to have a look around and see everything they were capable of manufacturing. I came in for my interview with Alex and Charlotte and went into the showroom, where I was introduced to an abundance of products all guided through the hands of Involution. I found it all really daunting. It was the first real chance for me to step into the industry I'd been considering for my future.
What have you learned so far?
So much it would be hard to say. I've really improved my knowledge of Illustrator, and I've done a lot of odd jobs around the building in various departments. Sublimating mug designs and preparing stickers and badges have given me real, tangible tasks that show what my work behind the computer is for.
What's been the biggest surprise?
The range of artwork I see day in, day out. There are countless companies and independent artists that come through Involution, and you just don't know what is going to pop up when you open a brief. It keeps the job really engaging, and I'm always wondering where these products end up after they've gone through my computer.
What advice would you give someone thinking about an apprenticeship?
It's definitely a great choice. I came to the idea a bit later than most, turning 25 this year, and I've seen the benefit of that. Don't rush into things. Maybe try some other avenues first to build the work ethic you need to enjoy it, especially if you're coming straight out of college or sixth form.
Growing our own talent
Daniel joins as we continue to grow the team and invest in local talent, alongside our sponsorship of the Leeds Manufacturing Festival. If you've had a proof from us recently, there's a chance Daniel set it up.
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